Bord na Móna - Source Issue 7 - (Page 20)

Project uPdate parklands shortlisted for top tourism award lough Boora parklanDs was shortlisteD in the top three for eDen awarD By fáilte irelanD the european Destinations of excellence (eDen) is an annual competition run by fáilte ireland. this year’s theme was “tourism and the regeneration of physical sites”. lough Boora parklands submitted an application based on the tourist and visitor amenities that are developed on its cutaway bogland site at Boora works in west offaly. the parklands is now a major tourist and visitor attraction in co. offaly and hosted up to 45,000 visitors in 2010. the amenities developed to date include short and long distance off-road walking routes through a landscape rich in flora and fauna. five man-made angling lakes for game and coarse angling and loch an Dochas cater for anglers of all abilities. an outdoor sculpture park hosts 21 large-scale sculptures based on celebrating the new era for this landscape and using recyclable material from its former industrial history. the local communities and enthusiasts run outdoor clubs on the site, including a model airplanes site, long-range target shooting, game angling at loch clochain and coarse angling at finnamores lakes. Bird hides allow birdwatchers to view the abundant birdlife on the wetlands and lakes. a special project to preserve the grey partridge bird, managed by the national parks and wildlife service, has saved this indigenous bird from extinction. Bosco meets Holly Cahill at the Rehab Waterways Adventure at Lough Boora Parklands. Rehab WateRWays adventuRe a big hit Despite the wet anD winDy conDitions on sunDay, June 12, over 1,000 people JoineD in the fun at lough Boora parklanDs t his family event was the highlight of the rehab waterways adventure, in association with Bord na Móna. the adventure started on May 12 and saw the heritage boat, the nieuwe Zorgen, touring the irish waterways for four weeks to raise awareness and funds for rehab. there was fun for all the family with face painting, zorbing, fairground games and the great Dragonfly hunt, which was created especially for the day. this engaging and entertaining performance invited children to interact with the family of dragonflies and rescue the baby dragonflies by chasing away the evil hunters! one of the best moments of the day was the special performance by Bosco and friends, which captivated crowds of adults and children alike. there was a real nostalgia for those who remembered the tv show and even young children who had never heard of Bosco before were enthralled. the children’s art competition proved particularly popular and the judges had a very tough time selecting the winners. there were three age categories, with a winner from each. the winners were conor Mcgough (4) from lumcloon national school, adam o’carroll (7) from clonmacnois national school and Becky Bryant (9) from st. colman’s national school. each received a special art hamper prize. visitors on the day also had a chance to take the free bus to nearby pollough to see the nieuwe Zorgen heritage boat up close and learn some of its colourful history. 20 | Source Summer 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Bord na Móna - Source Issue 7

Bord na Móna - Source Issue 7
Contents
A Round-Up of News from Around the Company
Willow Harvest for Farmers
New Approach, New Business
Strategic Growth and Development
Challege and Change
Anua Beginning
Raging Inferno
Mapping a Sustainable Future
Project Update
Heritage Corner
Nationwide

Bord na Móna - Source Issue 7